by Dom's Roundtable
The Elden Ring: Nightreign network test may have wrapped up, but that doesn’t mean the flow of information must stop. In fact, there are hidden mechanics, map details, and even the confirmation of cosmetics and skins appearing in the game, that many players may have missed over the last few months.
First, let me explain how Events work, for anyone who was a bit stumped by the Fell Omen invasions and random ants falling from the sky during the network test, along with how many Events we can expect to see at launch.
How Events Work in Nightreign
Triggering Events And Their Consequences
Gamers who played the network test might have encountered random world events while exploring Limveld. Two of the confirmed events so far are:
The Fell Omen Invasion
This boss was guaranteed to invade if you were in the Draconic Tree Sentinel and Royal Knights' version of the map.
However, in the full release, this won’t always happen. Instead, all bosses and events will be randomized, meaning you could fight multiple Fell Omens in a single run, or none at all.
The Ant Swarm Event
A giant portal of ants could sometimes appear, marked on your mini-map by a red circle.
These creatures overwhelm you, and if you defeat them, you’re rewarded with loads of Runes, a buff that reduces Ultimate Art cooldowns for the rest of the match, and you stave off the night for a period of time.
Risk vs. Reward: The Stakes of Events
Events are high-risk, high-reward. If you succeed:
More time to explore before Nightfall
Huge rune rewards
Stronger buffs for the rest of your run
If you fail:
Lose a level
Nightfall speeds up
A permanent de-buff for the remainder of the match
These tough decisions will require strong teamwork between Nightfarers, sometimes, avoiding an event might be the smarter choice.
How Many Events Are In The Full Game?
The network test only featured two events, but speculation suggests that the full release will have around 10-16. Also, given the rogue-lite nature of Nightreign, we can also expect many more events in future DLC.
Newly Confirmed Classes - Who's Joining The Fight?
The 7 (Possibly 8) Playable Nightfarers At Launch
We already know about four playable Nightfarers from the network test (Wylder, Guardian, Duchess, Recluse), but thanks to interviews with Game Director Junya Ishizaki, we now have details on three more confirmed classes:
Ironeye (Sniper/Archer)
Can create a rock pillar to gain height and snipe enemies.
Based on the ability to create height between yourself and your foes, the Ironeye's Passive Ability may be that you deal more damage the further above your target you are.
The Summoner (Spirit Ash User)
Uses Spirit Ashes as one of their main gameplay mechanics.
This means their skills and arts may see them further buffing their summoned minions.
The Shinobi (Fast & Agile Ninja)
Seen performing an insane double deflect in the trailer.
Looks similar to Sekiro’s deflection mechanics, emphasizing quick reflexes.
Who Is The Eighth Class?
The final class is still a mystery, but likely candidates include:
A Priest/Cleric (incantation-focused healer)
A heavy armour warrior (tankier melee option)
Either way, Nightreign’s roster of classes is shaping up to be incredibly diverse.
The Big News On Maps And Exploration
Will There Be Multiple Maps?
One confirmed detail that may worry some players is that at launch, there will only be one map—Limveld.
But before you panic, here’s the good news:
The map will change as you progress.
As you unlock new Nightlords, Limveld will undergo major transformations, making it feel like multiple maps in one.
Massive Randomization Improvements
The full release will feature tons of new enemies, new bosses, and random changes, ensuring that each run feels fresh.
So while Limveld is the only confirmed location, it’s far from static.
Essential Mechanics You Might Have Forgotten
Using Skills & Ultimates For Revives
All Nightfarer abilities which deal damage can be used defensively to revive teammates mid-fight. e.g. Guardian’s Ultimate Art can rez an entire squad in a single move.
How To Give The Recluse Infinite FP
Recluse’s Magic Cocktail restores FP, making them a near-infinite spellcaster if used properly.
No matter which other staves/seals you have equipped, always have one with a cheap spell like Glintstone Pebble; juggling between this spell and your Magic Cocktail skill is a fantastic way to replenish your FP extremely quickly by casting spell/skill/spell/skill etc.
Utilizing The Final Ring Of Fire To Your ADVANTAGE
At the end of Day 2, as long as you have plenty of HP and healing flasks, you can run out into the ring of fire for extra loot and runes, it's very easy to out-heal the damage you take when you have lots of ways to heal yourself, and you can grant yourself so much extra time. This lets you max out your level, gather many upgrade materials, and fully prepare for the final fight.
I really hope this is changed because it defeats the challenge of the Nightlord. I'm drawing attention to it in the hopes that it gets updated and that the final ring of fire at the end of Night 2 is significantly more powerful.
A Secret "Final" Boss Has Been Confirmed
Beyond the Eight Nightlords, it has been confirmed that Nightreign has a hidden final boss who is directly connected to the Night Tide and the Encroaching Night.
It’s unclear if this is one of the eight Nightlords or an additional boss (the Night KING). Players won’t be able to fight every Nightlord from the start—they’ll be unlocked gradually.
This means Nightreign’s difficulty will potentially scale up over time, making later bosses harder than Gladius.
Cosmetics & Skins Have Been Confirmed
One of the biggest surprises is that Nightreign will feature unlockable cosmetics. This isn't coming in the form of a battle pass or any kind of additional paid transactions; this is already built into the game, and all are purchasable completely for free simply by earning Murk each time you finish a match!
What Can You Buy with Murk?
New Relics to enhance your play style.
Relic Rites to change Relic compatibility for different classes.
Gestures & Skins!
The best part? These skins aren’t tied to microtransactions—they are earned through gameplay!
Dream Skins?
A Lady Maria skin for the Duchess would be perfection.
A Sekiro-inspired Shinobi outfit? YES PLEASE!
